'What Are You Doing for My Tax Dollars?': Examining Western New York Representatives' Actions Amid Government Shutdown

With the federal government shutdown extending beyond a month, many Western New Yorkers are voicing concerns over the loss of essential services, such as SNAP benefits, while their elected representatives continue to receive salaries. This situation has prompted the pressing question: 'What are you doing for my tax dollars?'

The 7 News I-Team reached out to Western New York's Congressional delegation, including Democrat Tim Kennedy, Republican Nick Langworthy, and Republican Claudia Tenney, requesting their calendars for October to assess their activities during the shutdown.

Congressman Tim Kennedy was the sole member to provide a detailed account, listing daily meetings, interviews, and appearances in both Buffalo and Washington from October 1 to October 29. In contrast, Congressman Nick Langworthy declined to release his schedule, citing that lawmakers are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act and stating, 'will not be producing the documents requested.' Congresswoman Claudia Tenney's office did not respond to the inquiry.

In response to these developments, Republican State Senator Rob Ortt commented on the need for transparency, stating, 'I believe these three members of Congress are extremely busy and I don't think there's anyone who's got their feet up at home while the government is shut down. But these kinds of calls are going to grow the longer it is closed. These are the kinds of pressure points people are going to start saying, well what are you doing? What are you doing for my tax dollars because I'm not getting my benefit.'

The ongoing shutdown has significantly impacted federal services, with nearly 3 million New Yorkers at risk of losing food assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) starting November 1. Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a fast-tracking of $30 million in state funds to support over 16 million meals, aiming to mitigate the effects of the federal funding lapse. Additionally, the shutdown has delayed the opening of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which provided over $287 million in heating assistance to more than 1.5 million low-income New York households last winter.

As the shutdown continues, the demand for accountability and transparency from elected officials grows louder, with constituents seeking assurance that their representatives are actively working to resolve the crisis and restore essential services.